Varieties of PVA adhesives and how they can be diluted if thickened
PVA belongs to a group of universal adhesives used for fixing various materials. Like other similar liquid-based products, this one, due to non-compliance with preservation techniques, thickens over time. Professionals know several answers to the question of how PVA glue can be diluted. However, when choosing a dilution method, the type of composition must be taken into account.
General characteristics of PVA glue
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue consists of 95% synthetic fibers obtained from polyvinyl alcohol (vinalone). A variety of additives are also included in the product:
- acetone;
- the water;
- esters;
- stabilizers;
- dioctyl sebacate and others.
It is the additives that determine the characteristics of the glue (plasticity, stability, adhesive strength) and affect what PVA can be diluted with.
This composition does not contain toxic substances and flammable components. In this regard, PVA is used to solve everyday problems.
Main varieties and characteristics
As already indicated, the type of additive determines the characteristics of the adhesive composition. Based on this, PVA is divided into several types.
National
This type of adhesive is mainly used for fixing wallpaper on brick, concrete, plaster surfaces, as well as on drywall. Household PVA is produced in large multi-liter containers. This composition well attaches heavy fabrics to surfaces and binds foam rubber, textiles and paper.
Clerical
It is used for gluing paper and cardboard. Liquid type of stationery glue is available in small bottles, dry - in the form of a pencil.
Building
Construction PVA is used for fixing fiberglass, vinyl wallpaper or paper. This composition is added to the mixture for the primer, thereby increasing the degree of adhesion applied to the last plaster, putty and other finishing materials.
Additional
This product has improved adhesion properties. Therefore, the additional composition is used to fix cork, vinyl and other wallpapers. Also, this PVA is used for gluing construction nets, wood, plywood and serpyanka.
Also, this composition is used to increase the strength of building mixtures.
Universal
Universal PVA dries quickly and is used for bonding paper, metal, glass or wood. This composition leaves no residue.
"Super-M"
This adhesive provides increased strength to the joints created. Therefore, this product is used in the repair of glass, porcelain, ceramic products, as well as leather and fabrics. "Super M" is suitable for laying floor coverings.
Why can't be diluted with water
It is not recommended to dilute with water specialized varieties of PVA (construction, "Extra M" and so on).Such compositions contain components that, in contact with the liquid, lose their original properties. Usually such adhesives are produced in large, tightly closed cans, as they are characterized by an unpleasant, specific odor. Discard such varieties of this product if they thicken.
How to properly dilute if it thickens
About 90% of PVA adhesives sold on the market can be diluted with water. However, to carry out this procedure, it is necessary to follow a number of rules and maintain the recommended proportions. Otherwise, the composition will lose its original properties. It is recommended to use warm liquid for dilution. Hot and cold water will change the technical characteristics of the adhesive solution, so the connection created will not be reliable.
It is necessary to dilute the glue with water in a ratio of 1:10. Add the liquid gradually and stir immediately. Remove the upper crust before starting the procedure. The remaining lumps do not need to be removed.
After dilution, it is recommended to leave the glue solution for half an hour. During this time, the composition will have time to return to its original properties. PVA applied after dilution does not provide strong adhesion. If the thickened adhesive is used to improve the performance of the primer, the compound can be used immediately after mixing with water. In this case, a 1:2 ratio should be used. In other words, add 2 parts water to one part glue. As a result, after mixing, you should get a free-flowing white liquid that can be mixed with a primer.
It is forbidden to use alcohol or acetone to dilute the thickened office glue.Both liquids, when in contact with plastic and other materials, corrode the surface. Also, office glue is often used by children, and adding alcohol or acetone can harm the child.